‘Cooperation between Qatar & Italy embraces all aspects’

DOHA: Deputy Director of Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) Directorate of Education and Training Brigadier Yousef Almulla, recently met Rear Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo, Superintendent of the Italian Navy (ITN) Academy.

During the meeting, they exchanged experience and knowledge regarding the military personnel education and discussed possible cooperation in common areas of responsibility. “I am very honoured and pleased to have the opportunity to pay a visit to the Naval Education Directorate of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. The visit takes place within the long-lasting cooperation initiative between the two Navies, indeed a very fruitful one,” Rear Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo said.

The Italian Naval Academy was established in Livorno, Tuscany, in 1881 to educate all Italian Naval Officers. It encompasses seven different Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses, held with the University of Pisa, established in 1343, spanning from Naval Sciences, to Engineering, Medicine and Law.

“There are in place other initiatives which link the Italian Naval Academy to the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. In the last years, along with other 25 Navies from all over the world, the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces participated with a sailing team in the International Sailing Week, held in Livorno by the Italian Naval Academy. The sailing Regatta aims at gathering midshipmen belonging to different nationalities, religions, languages and cultures, but sharing the same passion for the sea,” he added.

The Ambassador of Italy, Pasquale Salzano, said, “I am pleased that the cooperation between Italy and Qatar also in the sector of defence is continuously strengthening and embraces all aspects, including the exchange of expertise and learning programmes for the maritime leaders of the future. In this context, the Italian Naval Academy is indeed a prestigious naval education institute, well known abroad for its excellent professional training courses and international exchange opportunities. With more than 135 years of history, the Academy ensures the link between past and present, traditions and innovations.